why attend our WORKSHOP:

🎓 Admissions Expertise – Work with former college admission officers from highly selective colleges who have read thousands of applications.

🏆 Elite Coaching – Personalized feedback, proven strategies, and insider admissions insights.

👥 Small Cohort – Max of 14 students/session for individualized attention.

✅ Guaranteed Results – Students will leave with a polished, competitive personal statement.

⏳ 32 Instructional Hours – Equivalent to a full essay coaching program.

What YOU’LL learn during the WORKSHOP

Day 1: Finding Your Story

✅ Brainstorming powerful personal statement topics
✅ What admissions officers actually look for
✅ Case Study: Reviewing real essays with an admissions rubric
✅ Start drafting your personal statement

Day 2: Writing & Refining Like an Insider

✅ Case Study: Admissions Panel—Who gets in and why?
✅ Small-group workshop & personalized instructor feedback
✅ Revising for impact: Voice, depth, and storytelling

Day 3: Polishing & Supplemental Essays

✅ Advanced editing techniques to elevate your essay
✅ Common pitfalls & how to stand out
✅ Writing strong “Why Us?” and extracurricular essays

Day 4: Finalizing & Admissions Strategy

✅ Final personal statement review + last-round polish
✅ Mock admissions panel: Reviewing essays like an insider
✅ Q&A with former admissions officers—get expert insights!

Want to see the full schedule? Request a detailed itinerary here!

WHAT PAST STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:

“It's totally helpful and, honestly, fun. The amount and quality of feedback I got on my drafts were truly great. I feel more confident —not only in my personal statement but the college process in general.”

“It is a great way to understand what college admissions people are looking for in your essays and stops you from procrastinating.”

“Had I written my personal statement without their help, I think my work would have been significantly weaker. Some of their tips for how to make a more effective personal statement were things I would have never figured out on my own.”

Cathy Chen

Founder & Coach, Village Coaches

Cathy is a former USC admissions officer and College Counselor at Menlo School, one of Silicon Valley's top prep schools. With experience reading thousands of college essays, she has the expertise to help you craft a unique and compelling story that stands out. You'll love working with her for her direct, no-nonsense approach, high standards, and great sense of humor—all of which will inspire you to produce your best work.

Meredith herrera

Coach, Village Coaches

Meredith loves helping students find their authentic voice and tell their story through their college essays. As a former USC admission officer and college counselor at Crossroads School and Branson School, two highly regarded independent schools in California, Meredith knows her stuff. She's designed and led essay writing workshops for nearly two decades. Despite being a stickler for sound writing technique, students love the way Meredith makes essay writing fun and less stressful. After her workshops, students report feeling both proud of their finished product and more confident about the process overall.

andrea pien

Coach, Village Coaches

Andrea brings extensive experience from her roles as an admissions officer at Swarthmore College and a college counselor at The Bay School and Friends’ Central School. She has also served as a part-time application reader for Stanford University, giving her a deep understanding of what top colleges are looking for. Andrea’s expert guidance will help you craft a standout application, and her thoughtful, supportive approach will empower you to present your authentic story with confidence.